Honda VFR 750F-R

Honda claims to have made some "300" changes to our beloved VFR. The new bodywork is "Styled" after the NR750 (Honda's Oval Piston Wonder bike) U.S. D.O.T. has "Seen the light" and mounted the rear turn signals are where God (or at least Honda) intended them to be (in the bodywork). Red is BACK on U.S. Models, although this time it has a pearl finish in the clear coat ('90-91 VFR's were solid red). Europe gets Red, Black or Turquoise. Personally, I wish that Honda would have went further with the NR style and given the VFR similar tank/ tail pieces with the exhaust under the seat (ala NR and Ducati 916). Everything on the bike was looked at to reduce weight, even the rear wheel went down to a 5.0 x 17" (from the previous 5.5 wide hoop). Depending on who you talk to, the bike dropped 16 to 30 lbs. According to the Honda propaganda sheet, the front wheel is 600 grams and the rear 800 grams lighter. The new (lighter) frame holds revised cartridge forks (600 grams lighter yet stronger because of more overlap) and a new shock. The "Elf Designed" PRO-ARM (single sided) rear swingarm is both stronger and 200 grams lighter.

 The new O-ring chain is even lighter by 100 grams! Other items specifically mentioned are the foot pegs/ brackets, handelbars, side & center stands, faring, passenger grab rails and exhaust system. It does feel lighter than the '90-93 models from the cockpit which looks different as well with a white faced tachometer. Less heat hits the rider's right leg which is another good point. The seat does not wrap around the tank anymore. The Center stand is now standard in U.S. and Europe.

The engine is essentially the same but sports smaller 34mm carbs and a new design 4/2/1 exhaust mostly for better throttle response (Who knew it needed it?)    Note: Good news for U.S. '90-93 VFR owners - buy the amber lenses from the '94- 95 VFR, they fit this model too. It's easy to make the turn signal lights work, then drop kick the signals mounted on the fender, trim said fender and enjoy a sleeker look.

Review

For many, bike journalists included, the best road bike ever built. In 1994 Honda revised an already exceptional motorcycle, giving it super-model looks while still retaining those quintessential VFR qualities of legendary reliability, consistent performance and supreme comfort. The bodywork become less angular and gained Ferrari-esque louvres on its side panels.

Engine
Although lacking the power of newer machines, the VFR’s sublime V4 still impresses. It never gets out of breath and the near tidal mid range wafts you along on waves of unflustered power. For newcomers and more experienced riders alike this bike rewards with a forgiving ride and silky smooth power delivery.

Ride and Handling
A new frame, swingarm, wheels and exhaust all cut 10kg (22lbs) from the VFR’s dry weight, but this is still very much sports-tourer instead of sportster. The ride is smooth, the handling neutral and predictable. Only the slightly soft suspension limits heroics. But that together with the relaxed riding position and armchair-like comfort of the seat means that you arrive feeling human and thirsty for more.

Equipment
Plush, comforting and classy without being extraneous. The pillion handles fold away neatly beneath the seat. There’s a streamlined pillion cover. The dash is classy and thorough (and includes a digital clock and fuel gauge). The mirrors are good and there’s a main stand. A slight criticism would be the low screen and lack of a fuel gauge, but that’s being picky.

Overall
For a Japanese superbike, the VFR is about as good as it gets. Build quality is sublime, reliability (apart from a few duff alternators and suspension that gets soggy over 20,000miles) is total. Don’t let high mileages put you off: VFR head over 75,000 with impunity…

A Honda PR man once (fairly) famously joked that “I don’t care how much a VFR costs, it’s worth three times as much.” He’s not far wrong. The VFR750 remains both revered and relevant and although used prices remain healthy, it’s still one helluva lot of bike for the money. Find a Honda VFR750 for sale.